FortisBC (TSX:FBC) is taking pre-emptive measures against a possible strike by applying to the BC Labour Relations Board to have unionized natural gas-sector staff declared essential service workers.
FortisBC operates natural gas utilities throughout B.C. and an electrical utility in the southern Interior.
Only the 550 unionized workers who work in the utility’s natural gas section are gearing up to strike.
FortisBC natural gas utility workers have been without a contract since March 2011. The utility’s last offer was made Tuesday. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, local 213, responded to the offer this week by serving FortisBC with strike notice.
Essential services are those the labour relations board deems necessary or essential to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health, safety or welfare of B.C. residents.
If the labour relations board declares certain functions within FortisBC to be essential, it would mean the union would have to issue 72-hour notice before taking job action.
FortisBC has a contingency plan to deal with any job action, according to the utility’s press statement.
